D47 Opts To Start School Year With Remote Learning

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — District 47 students will spend the first three weeks of the school year learning from home and taking part in remote learning. The District 47 Board of Education voted 4-3 on Monday in favor of an enhanced remote learning model.

The board also approved an in-person instruction plan that allows for shorter school days starting on Sept. 14. The in-person model will include four hours of instruction at school each day from 8 a.m. to noon as well as one hour of academic engagement following that, according to a District 47 news release. Parents will also have the choice to keep their children in remote learning past the September in-person starting date.

On Thursday, Superintendent Kathy Hinz will hold two one-hour question and answer Zoom sessions with parents. The first will be held at 3 p.m. on July 23 and the second will be held at 6 p.m. Parents can register for the sessions online.

District 47 parents must choose which learning model they prefer for the first trimester by July 30. Parents were supposed to receive a letter via e-mail and mail and additional information is also available on the district's website.

“The health and safety of our students and staff remain our top priority as we navigate this pandemic and unique period in our nation’s and world’s history,” Hinz said. “We realize these are difficult decisions for our families, but we’re committed to providing the best educational experience possible for all students, whether it’s at school or at home.”